Forward facing vehicle transport apparatus
A forward facing vehicle transport apparatus (“FFVTA”) is provided. The FFVTA includes at least a main support member supported by an axle, and the axle in turn is supported by a wheel. The FFVTA further provides a toe tongue that is secured to the main support member and extends in a first direction from the main support. The toe tongue provides a telescopic extension member communicating with an extension mechanism, the telescopic extension member is configured to interact with a steer axle of a first vehicle, the steer axle supported by a tire of the first vehicle. The FFVTA further includes a pull tongue secured to the main support member and extending in a second direction from then main support. The pull tongue provides a sliding extension member that communicates with an expansion mechanism. The sliding extension member is configured to interact with a fifth wheel of a second vehicle.
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The claimed invention relates to the field of vehicle transport equipment; more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a forward facing vehicle transport apparatus for transporting long haul semi tractors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with an exemplary embodiments, a forward facing vehicle transport apparatus (“FFVTA”) is provided. The exemplary embodiment of the FFVTA includes at least a main support member supported by an axle, and the axle in turn is supported by a wheel. The FFVTA further provides a toe tongue that is secured to the main support member and extends in a first direction from the main support. The toe tongue provides a telescopic extension member communicating with an extension mechanism, the telescopic extension member is configured to interact with a steer axle of a first vehicle, the steer axle supported by a tire of the first vehicle. The FFVTA further includes a pull tongue secured to the main support member and extending in a second direction from then main support. The pull tongue provides a sliding extension member that communicates with an expansion mechanism. The sliding extension member is configured to interact with a fifth wheel of a second vehicle.
The exemplary embodiment of the FFVTA further includes at least an axle cradle support member secured to the toe tongue, and an axle cradle supported by the axle cradle support member, the axle cradle in contact adjacency with and supporting the steer axle of the first vehicle. Additionally, the exemplary embodiment of the FFVTA includes at least an axle caddy supported by the toe tongue and a control box supported by the main support member. The control box shelters system controls for operation of each the extension mechanism and the expansion mechanism, while the axle caddy is configured to carry a drive axle of the first vehicle.
Reference will now be made in detail to one or more examples of the invention depicted in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a different embodiment. Other modifications and variations to the described embodiments are also contemplated within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Referring to the drawings,
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With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Further, it will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently exemplary embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A forward facing vehicle transport apparatus comprising:
- a main support member supported by an axle, the axle supported by a wheel;
- a toe tongue secured to the main support member and extending in a first direction from the main support, the toe tongue provides a telescopic extension member communicating with an extension mechanism, the telescopic extension member configured to interact with a steer axle of a first vehicle, the steer axle supported by a tire of the first vehicle;
- a pull tongue secured to the main support member and extending in a second direction from then main support member, the pull tongue provides a sliding extension member communicating with an expansion mechanism, the sliding extension member configured to interact with a fifth wheel of a second vehicle;
- an axle cradle support member secured to the toe tongue;
- an axle cradle supported by the axle cradle support member, the axle cradle in contact adjacency with and supporting the steer axle of the first vehicle;
- an axle caddy supported by the toe tongue, the axle caddy configured to carry a drive axle of the first vehicle; and
- a control box supported by the main support member, the control box shelters system controls for operation of each the extension mechanism and the expansion mechanism.
2. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a combination tool box and debris shield supported by the pull tongue, the combination tool box and debris shield mitigates debris escaping from a tire of the second vehicle impacting the first vehicle; and
- in which the sliding extension member houses a plurality of reinforcement members, the reinforcement members provide additional support to the steer axle of the first vehicle, when the tire of the first vehicle tire is elevated above ground level.
3. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
- a guide post attached to the axle;
- a vertical slide member attached to the main support member, the vertical slide member in sliding contact with the guide post; and
- a vertical position control apparatus interposed between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus responsive to the system controls, the system controls controlling the vertical position of the main support member relative to the axle.
4. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 3, in which the axle cradle support member provides a plurality of pairs of axle cradle receptacle apertures, each axle cradle receptacle aperture of each pair of axle cradle receptacle apertures accommodate the axle cradle, the plurality of pairs of axle cradle receptacle apertures accommodate a position of the steer axle of the first vehicle relative to a front bumper of first vehicle.
5. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 4, in which the vertical position control apparatus comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, the extension mechanism comprises a second hydraulic cylinder, and the expansion mechanism comprises a third hydraulic cylinder.
6. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
- a hydraulic fluid reservoir confined within the control box; and
- the system controls interposed between the hydraulic fluid reservoir and each the first, second, and third hydraulic cylinders.
7. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
- a power source disposed within the control box; and
- a hydraulic pump interposed between each the power source and the hydraulic fluid reservoir.
8. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a transport yoke supported by a frame of the first vehicle, the transport yoke communicates with the telescopic extension member of the toe tongue, the transport yoke secures the telescopic extension member of the toe tongue adjacent the frame of the first vehicle.
9. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 8, in which transport yoke comprises:
- a strap engagement member;
- a plurality of chain retention member apertures, and
- a chain retention member interacting with a selected pair of chain retention member apertures of the plurality of chain retention member apertures.
10. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 9, in which the axle cradle comprises:
- a cradle main body, the cradle main body adapts to a contour of the steer axle of the first truck; and
- an engagement extension protruding from the cradle main body, the engagement extension is in sliding communication with a corresponding axle cradle receptacle aperture.
11. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 10, in which the axle cradle further comprising:
- a fastening mechanism aperture provided by the cradle main body; and
- a fastening mechanism cooperating with the fastening mechanism aperture, the fastening mechanism in cooperation with the fastening mechanism aperture secures the axle cradle to the steer axle of the first vehicle.
12. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 11, in which the fastening mechanism is in a form of a j-bolt cooperating with an associated j-bolt fastener.
13. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 12, in which the axle cradle further comprising;
- a retention mechanism aperture; and
- a retention mechanism, the retention mechanism in cooperation with the retention mechanism aperture secures the axle cradle to the axle cradle support member.
14. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 13, in which in which the first vehicle is a first truck.
15. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 14, in which the first truck is a first semi-tractor.
16. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 15, in which the second vehicle is a second truck.
17. The forward facing vehicle transport apparatus of claim 16, in which the second truck is a second semi-tractor.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Dec 28, 2018
Date of Patent: Sep 15, 2020
Assignee: Ironman FFB, LLC (Edmond, OK)
Inventor: Tommy Edmonson (Choctaw, OK)
Primary Examiner: Anne Marie M Boehler
Assistant Examiner: Michael R Stabley
Application Number: 16/235,020
International Classification: B62D 63/06 (20060101);